[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee (now Township Council) of the Township of Logan 10-12-1977 as Ord. No. 13-1977. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Environmental Commission as statutory agency — See Ch. 4, § 4-35B(4).
An Environmental Commission is hereby established for the protection, development and use of natural resources, including water resources, located within the territorial limits of the Township of Logan.
[Amended 9-16-1986 by Ord. No. 8-1986]
The Commission shall consist of not less than five nor more than seven members, who shall be appointed by the Mayor. In addition, the Mayor may appoint up to two alternates. An alternate shall serve only when necessary to form a quorum of the Commission. In the event that it is necessary for an alternate to serve to form a quorum, the alternate appointed to the two-year term shall be given preference. All members and alternates shall be residents of the township and shall serve without compensation. One member shall also be a member of the Municipal Planning Board. The Mayor shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairman and presiding officer of the Commission.
[Amended 9-16-1986 by Ord. No. 8-1986]
The terms of office of the first Commissioners shall be for one, two or three years, to be designated by the Mayor in making his appointments so that the terms of approximately 1/3 of the members shall expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors. One alternate shall be appointed for a term of two years and the other alternate shall be appointed for a term of one year.
The Mayor or governing body may remove any member of the Commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member and after a hearing thereon, at which hearing the member shall be entitled to be heard either in person or by counsel.
A vacancy on the Commission occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
The Commission established under this chapter shall have the following powers to:
A. 
Conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the township.
B. 
Study and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna.
C. 
Coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.
D. 
Advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets necessary for the above purposes.
E. 
Maintain and keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, so as to obtain information on the proper use of such areas.
F. 
Recommend to the Planning Board the development and use of the above-described areas.
G. 
Recommend to the Planning Board programs and plans for inclusion in the Master Plan.
The Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township Council, acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the township, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease for any of its purposes, and shall administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the conveyance or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interest, development right, easement (including conservation easement), covenant or other contractual right (including a conveyance on conditions or with limitations or reservations) as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other lands and water areas in the township.
The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report of its activities to the Township Council. Such annual report shall be made each year on or about the anniversary date of the adoption of this chapter.
The expenses incurred by the Commission shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it by the Township Council. The Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may require and as shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it.